Fire safety in the kitchen

With around 62% of all home fires starting in the kitchen we should ask if we give this area of home safety as much thought as we ought to. Given that 50% of these fires are caused by cooking appliances, this question is paramount whether you are a landlord or a home owner.

A new fire safety in the kitchen handbook has been developed, which will give landlords an overview of their obligations in accordance with the current regulations and ways in which you as the landlord can meet these obligations. You will not only be ensuring that you are protecting your tenants, you will be avoiding a heavy fine or indeed a potential custodial sentence.

As well as addressing the requirements landlords need to adhere to, this handbook looks at potential issue home owners may face and gives advice on how to reduce the risk of a fire happening in their home

To find out more, take a look at this comprehensive fire safety in the kitchen guide.

Angie Dewick-Eisele

H&S, HR & Marketing Manager

Angie has been our marketing manager since joining in 2002. She also has a keen interest in H&S issues.

Latest Posts by Angie Dewick-Eisele

Time to Change, Safelincs sign the pledge13th February 2019
Safelincs Sponsor Alford's Under 10s Football Team25th June 2018
Safelincs Sponsor National Boat CO Awareness Campaign4th March 2018

Sigma Smart+Shield – Deterring the Misuse of Emergency Exits

Emergency exits need to be accessible and easy top open, however, casual use of these exits can cause obvious problems, for example in shops and schools. The Smart+Shield Emergency Exit Alarm is designed to solve this problem.

The exit alarm is fitted on or next to the exit door and sounds a very loud alarm if the door is opened un-authorised. The unit can be powered by either a 9V battery or from the mains. You can set the volume to either 75dB or 95dB and there’s also a delayed alarm setting, which will only sound if the door is left open – which is helpful for doors that need to be used regularly by authorised personnel. Following a door alarm activation the alarm can self-reset after either 30 or 180 seconds, or you can choose to activate it with the integrated keyswitch. All Smart+Shields are also supplied with a fluorescent sticker that can be placed across the alarm, making it clear that the door is not for casual use.

The base model of the Smart+Shield will work with any door when installed next to a magnetic contact (supplied with the alarm) on the door or the door frame. If you have installed panic bars you can mount the appropriate Smart+Shield behind the bar, increasing its impact as a visual deterrent.

The touch and panic bar models also have an extra feature: pre-alarm. They can sense slight pressure on the bar, starting a temporary alarm. If the bar is released then the alarm will silence itself, but will convert to a full alarm if the door is opened.

To place an order or find out more about the Smart+Shield visit our product listing. Alternatively you can contact our friendly sales and support staff by calling 0800 612 6537 or sending an email to support@safelincs.co.uk.

Daniel Bennett

Product Administrator

Daniel is one of our product administrators. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to emergency lighting, fire alarms and smart products.

Latest Posts by Daniel Bennett

Sigma Smart+Shield – Deterring the Misuse of Emergency Exits19th April 2017

Kirklees Warm Zone carbon monoxide alarm replacement

Between 2008 and 2010 Safelincs delivered over 120,000 carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to residents in the Kirklees area as part of Kirklees council’s Warm Zone project.

The alarms supplied through this initiative will now be around 8 years old and are nearing the end of their sensor life. Safelincs have launched a new campaign to raise residents’ awareness to ensure they are replacing their alarms to stay protected from the dangers of CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that has no odour, colour or taste and can only be detected by a carbon monoxide alarm. Shocking new statistics launched by Project Shout, a national CO awareness campaign, reported that a staggering 2500 people, ten times what was previously thought, are treated for the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning in England and Wales per year. Some of these cases will be fatal, with approximately 50 people dying annually.

When carbon monoxide alarms reach the end of their sensor life they become unreliable and you may unknowingly be putting your family in danger. To check if your CO alarm needs to be replaced, look on the back of your alarm, where you will find either the manufacture date or the date of replacement.

If you want to ensure you and your family are protected from this deadly gas, act now and take advantage of our special offer or call our Customer Service Team Freephone 0800 612 6537.

Angie Dewick-Eisele

H&S, HR & Marketing Manager

Angie has been our marketing manager since joining in 2002. She also has a keen interest in H&S issues.

Latest Posts by Angie Dewick-Eisele

Time to Change, Safelincs sign the pledge13th February 2019
Safelincs Sponsor Alford's Under 10s Football Team25th June 2018
Safelincs Sponsor National Boat CO Awareness Campaign4th March 2018

Water mist extinguisher chosen for stately home

The prospect of fire breaking out in a historic building strikes fear into the owner’s heart, since the majority of the structure will be irreplaceable. However, even after an extinguisher has successfully doused the flames there is the risk that the damage from the fire might be exacerbated by the action of any foam or powder that has been employed.

Built in the early seventeenth century, Goldsborough Hall is a private royal stately home, near Harrogate in North Yorkshire, which was saved from dereliction and developers by its current owners in 2005. It now hosts weddings and functions as well as providing luxurious accommodation in five-star suites and rooms.

The building had been equipped with powder-filled fire extinguishers which can be used on class A, B and C type fires and are safe on electrical equipment. However, one of the concerns the owners had was that, in areas of irreplaceable cultural heritage such as the Jacobean library with its oak panelling, any unfortunate fire damage could be compounded by the action of the powder.

Safelincs introduced the owners to water mist extinguishers that employ the latest low-pressure water mist technology. These produce over 22 billion water droplets from only 1 litre of water. They create an ultra-fine mist which has superior fire-fighting capabilities. The unique nozzle creates water droplets that produce a mist that leaves almost no trace and no collateral damage. The extinguishers are capable of tackling almost all common fires including class A, B, C, F type fires as well as fires involving live electrical equipment of up to 1000V. The water mist has a strong cooling effect and creates a “mist curtain” cutting off the oxygen supply. The droplets are so small that they have no adverse reaction on burning liquids and fats, allowing the extinguishers to be used on class B and F fires.

Goldsborough Hall’s owner Mark Oglesby was very impressed when the devices were demonstrated and has installed them in the heritage areas. “We also have them in the kitchen space where the risk of fire is probably the greatest. Even a small fire that is easily put out could be extremely problematic if food became contaminated. With these extinguishers, that would never be a problem.”

Should you have a similar application, please ring 0800 612 6537 or email support@safelincs.co.uk . Our helpful staff will be happy to explain the product further and to find the most cost-efficient solution for you.

Andy Taylor

Andy has been working for Safelincs for many years. He liaises with customers to create case studies and researches more in-depth topics.

Latest Posts by Andy Taylor

Water mist extinguisher chosen for stately home13th April 2017

Increasing global fire safety sales

As Britain looks to secure more global business beyond Europe, Safelincs is happy to report that it is growing its international trade. Safelincs has for years been actively selling across the world with about 5 to 10% of turnover generated overseas. Safelincs operates internationally with websites and teams in France, Ireland, Germany and Italy. We also offer an international distribution service for global companies. For example, Safelincs recently distributed smoke/CO alarms to 50000 recipients on behalf of one the world’s largest holiday operators to Asia, Europe and Africa. The largest part of our exports is, however, generated by our team of international sales specialists based at our headquarters in Alford, UK. International customers receive a personalised service with all their legal and transport requirements taken care off. We offer Certificates of Origin, exclusivity statements, we support VAT refund for ex-works orders, accept LoC, can quote in GBP, USD or Euro and offer specialist dangerous goods handling and shipping for pressurised vessels (extinguishers, gas containers etc), ionisation smoke alarms and so on.

These international orders have accelerated since June 2016 due to the drop of the cost of Pound Sterling against USD and Euro, making Safelincs’ products very competitive. This is particularly benefiting UK-manufactured products. Here some examples of Safelincs’ export sales:

A leading fire safety and security services provider in Saudi Arabia recently bought UK-manufactured evacuation chairs. These evacuation products provide safe evacuation of mobility-impaired persons in case of emergencies.

A major supplier of electricity in the Maldives purchased UK-manufactured rotationally-moulded fire extinguisher cabinets. These rugged cabinets are robust, built to last and can hold two extinguishers up to 9 litre/kg size. Corrosion- and shatter-proof, they offer important features, including the ability to be wall, floor, post or vehicle mounted and can be provided with key lock as well as an battery-operated alarm.

A supplier of lighting fixtures and electrical equipment based in Qatar bought 50 panic bolt locks. These devices secure external fire exit doors against burglary without jeopardising a safe escape in an emergency.

If your company also wishes to benefit from Safelincs’ international supply, please fill in our contact form on our international page or email international@safelincs.co.uk to receive dedicated quotes and information from our team.

Harry Dewick-Eisele

Managing Director

MD and founder of Safelincs. Harry has a wealth of in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fire safety and related legislation.

Latest Posts by Harry Dewick-Eisele

Safelincs is Expanding30th November 2018
When to install FD30 and FD60 fire doors?5th April 2018
Consistent Emergency Lighting and General Lighting Design for Suspended Ceilings22nd February 2018

Project Shout launch 2017

This week sees Project Shout, a national awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, launch its 2017 campaign.

Research carried out by Project Shout reveals that the suspected cases of CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning are ten times higher than previously thought. This means that a staggering 2500 cases of CO poisoning occur each year across England and Wales alone.

CO poisoning can have severe long term effects on health and causes around 50 deaths a year. Spreading awareness of the danger of this deadly gas is the ethos of Project Shout. Rob Lyon, campaign director for Project SHOUT, said: “These numbers are very concerning and highlight the fact that we need to do more to tackle the dangers of carbon monoxide and raise awareness of the symptoms.”

It is estimated that a staggering 40 million people are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. This deadly gas cannot be smelt, seen or tasted. The only way to protect yourself is by having a CO alarm in your home. An alarm should be installed in every room where a fuel burning appliances is fitted. Carbon monoxide is produced from the incomplete combustion of a fossil fuel such as coal, gas, oil and wood.

Safelincs proudly supports Project Shout and is offering up to 33% discount on selected CO alarms. Make sure you are protected today.

Harry Dewick-Eisele

Managing Director

MD and founder of Safelincs. Harry has a wealth of in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fire safety and related legislation.

Latest Posts by Harry Dewick-Eisele

Safelincs is Expanding30th November 2018
When to install FD30 and FD60 fire doors?5th April 2018
Consistent Emergency Lighting and General Lighting Design for Suspended Ceilings22nd February 2018

Emergency Floodlights on External Escape Routes

Safelincs are delighted to announce the introduction of an innovative new product – the Emergency LED Floodlight with additional PIR Motion-Activation. This evolution of a standard emergency floodlight has numerous benefits and is proving popular with owners and operators of public and commercial buildings.

The one feature universally required when specifying an emergency floodlight to cover a final exit is that it illuminates the area when most needed, i.e. in the event of an evacuation. By combining a PIR (passive infrared) sensor with a high quality external grade emergency floodlight, this product ensures that a final exit or entrance is never left dark when people are exiting the building. The floodlight will come on the moment people are leaving the building or approaching it. It will, of course, also come on in the event of a power failure and will the illuminate the area for a full three hours, powered by its internal backup battery.

But why not have a light on all of the time you may ask? This is not always advisable, as neighbouring properties could be adversely impacted by light pollution, and of course the running costs of a maintained (always on) emergency floodlight are considerable.

This makes the motion sensor activated emergency LED floodlight not only the most dependable emergency floodlight on the market, but also one of the most cost effective to run. The nature of the product means that the light is only ever on when required, and this feature, combined with the use of energy efficient LED light fittings makes this product environmentally friendly and financially sensible.

If you are installing or replacing an emergency floodlight, then look no further. This is the product for you. For more details about this money-saving weatherproof external floodlight with PIR, visit our brand new product listing or give us a call on 0800 612 6537.

Harry Dewick-Eisele

Managing Director

MD and founder of Safelincs. Harry has a wealth of in-depth knowledge of all aspects of fire safety and related legislation.

Latest Posts by Harry Dewick-Eisele

Safelincs is Expanding30th November 2018
When to install FD30 and FD60 fire doors?5th April 2018
Consistent Emergency Lighting and General Lighting Design for Suspended Ceilings22nd February 2018

Emergency Slave Lights – Explored

Slave Emergency Lighting If you’re looking for a replacement slave emergency luminaire for your centrally-powered emergency lighting system, then unless you are an expert, there is a fair chance that you have some questions in mind. Luckily for you, we have just the resource you need!

Our recently published article – Emergency Lighting Slave Units – aims to fully explain the concept of slave lighting and central battery systems, whilst also answering a broad range of questions that we have encountered over the years from our customers.
The article also explains the differences between slave lights and standard self-contained emergency lighting luminaires in plain language, and explores the pros and cons for each option.

If you want to know more about slave emergency lights or systems, then this is the article for you. A wide variety of questions are tackled, all with the intention of giving you the information you need to make knowledgeable decisions about slave lights.

Safelincs’ partnership with UK based lighting specialists Orbik has enabled us to greatly expand the range of high quality emergency lighting options we offer. This selection includes both standard (self-contained) emergency light fittings as well as the often misunderstood slave luminaires that form the focus of our new article. Regardless of which system you require, Safelincs’ website is the resource you need both for information and for replacement parts or entirely new emergency lighting systems.

For further general information regarding emergency lights, please click here. If you have a specific question that is not covered, or require a quotation for an entire emergency lighting system, please contact our friendly customer service team via support@safelincs.co.uk.

P50s find their way into a country retreat

An eighteenth century listed building, with an interesting history and visitors that have included Jacqueline Kennedy and Noel Coward, is the latest in a long line of establishments to take advantage of the cost savings that accrue from the installation of P50 fire extinguishers.

Turville Grange, near Henley in Oxfordshire, is the country retreat of an influential American family. The estate covers several sites including a large regency style house and is used by the family as a residence for around six months of the year. It is looked after by seven full time staff.

Buildings of this nature have high running costs and every effort is made to reduce expenses. One of the costs is fire safety; fire extinguishers are spread across the property and, over and above the initial outlay, the cost of having them serviced annually was a drain on the maintenance budget. Through a chance acquaintance, Safelincs was recommended as a company that might be able to offer a more economical solution.

Safelincs introduced the management at Turville Grange to the P50 extinguisher. Manufactured entirely from materials that will not rust or corrode, these appliances do not require an external annual service; a simple yearly check easily undertaken by one of the building’s own employees is all that is required. They also do not require a refill after five years like traditional extinguishers. Instead, after ten years, they are factory-refurbished and can then be used for a further decade.

“Installing P50 appliances will save us hundreds of pounds in maintenance costs,” said Adam Brimley, who manages the estate. “In addition, Safelincs gave us invaluable advice on the placement of the extinguishers that enabled us to significantly reduce the numbers that are required.

“Safelincs were clearly more interested in giving us good service than selling us more extinguishers than we needed.”

If you want to benefit from the cost savings the P50 extinguishers offer, contact Safelincs on 0800 612 6537 or email support@safelincs.co.uk, our professional advisers are happy to help.

Nest Product Generations – How to Identify Your Products

It is well known that electronic technology advances very quickly, with products being outdated and replaced by a newer version every year. More and more frequently these subsequent versions of the same product are being called ‘generations,’ such as a ‘5th gen iPod.’ Nest Labs’ range of ‘smart home’ products is no exception to this trend and the oldest two have already undergone a few iterations of redesign and improvement.

This guide has been written to help you quickly and easily identify which generation your Nest Products belong to.

Nest Protect

	1^st Generation	2^nd Generation
Edges	Straight Edges	Rounded Edges
Backplate	Square	Circular
Battery Door	No Battery Door	Battery Door
Serial Number	05A or 05C	06A or 06C

Model Number

Open the Nest app on your phone and tap Protect at the bottom, tap the Settings gear at the top followed by the alarm you’re interested in, and then go to Technical Info. If it says your model is Topaz-1.x then you have a First Generation, while Topaz-2.x denotes the Second Generation alarm.

Nest Learning Thermostat

	2^nd Generation	3^rd Generation
Colours	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel, Copper, Black, White
Appearance
	7cm screen diameter 320 320px resolution	8.25cm screen diameter 480 x 480px screen
Base
	Yellow spirit level Rectangular Display connector	Blue spirit level Oval display connector
Heat Link
	One status light 10cm height and width	3 status lights 11cm height and width

Nest Cam

	Indoor	Outdoor
Colour	Black	White
Appearance
Differentiating Features	Securely stream 1080p video to your phone, tablet or laptop Various positioning options No installation – simply plug into power and set up via phone app Compatible with standard camera mounts and tripods	Weatherproof camera nad cables Magnetic mount with metal plate for wall attachment Night vision Clear 24/7 video with 130 degree viewing angle